Prior to the receipt of the European search report the applicant may amend his application only if the Receiving Section has invited him to remedy particular deficiencies. After receipt of the European search report and before receipt of a first communication from the Examining Division, i.e. also during the period in which the application may still be with the Receiving Section, the applicant may of his own volition amend the description, claims and drawings. However, the European patent application may not be amended in such a way that it contains subject-matter which extends beyond the content of the application as filed (regarding the publication of claims thus amended, see also VI, 1.3).